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Lake Lucerne at a glance

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  • Swiss Franc (CHF)
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More about Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is the perfect blend of majestic mountains, charming villages, and serene waters, offering endless exploration and breathtaking views

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  • Cruise the lake on vintage steamers
  • Hike Mount Rigi for stunning views
  • Discover charming lakeside villages

Walking holidays in Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places, its curvaceous shape winding through four cantons, each more scenic than the last. With its sparkling waters and snow-capped peaks like Rigi and Pilatus standing tall in the background, this lake practically begs to be explored. Hop aboard a restored paddle steamer and cruise past charming lakeside villages, or simply sit back and marvel at the views. Thanks to its mild climate, Lake Lucerne’s got a surprise for you too – palm trees, grapes, and even orchids. So, whether you’re soaking in the history, the natural beauty, or just the incredible scenery, there’s no doubt: this is one Swiss gem you won’t want to miss.

Lake Lucerne has an array of trails that cater to every level of hiker. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenades of Weggis, where the majestic peaks of Mount Rigi and Pilatus create a stunning backdrop. For a more challenging walk, head up to the Rigi or Pilatus mountains, both of which offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. The Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” is particularly popular for hiking, with several well-marked trails leading to the summit. On clear days, you can see all the way to Lake Geneva. For something different, explore the Bürgenstock Resort’s cliffside path, which offers sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Lake Lucerne offers a range of activities, from boat trips on the lake to thrilling outdoor adventures. Cruise past scenic villages and impressive mountains, or enjoy a scenic ride on one of the world’s oldest paddle steamers. For the more adventurous, take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular alpine views. Lucerne’s old town is perfect for leisurely exploration, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the iconic Chapel Bridge. Discover the Swiss Museum of Transport or visit the Rosengart Collection, an impressive display of modern art.

For a day trip, venture to Weggis and take a cable car up Mount Rigi for panoramic views and alpine meadows. In Tribschen, visit the Richard Wagner Museum, where the famous composer spent several years in exile.

Switzerland’s culinary offerings shine in the Lake Lucerne region. Fresh lake fish, hearty rösti, and creamy cheese fondues are just a few of the delicious dishes you’ll find. In Lucerne, enjoy the region’s famous rösti, a dish that’s a staple in Swiss kitchens. For a true Swiss experience, savour a fondue meal at a lakeside restaurant, where you can dip bread into melted cheese while overlooking the shimmering waters of the lake. Swiss chocolate is another treat not to be missed, with Lucerne home to some of the country’s best chocolatiers. To complement your meal, sip on a glass of local wine from the vineyards surrounding the lake – perfect for pairing with fresh, local fare.

The best of Lake Lucerne

  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Boat leaving Weggis, Lake Lucerne
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Café by Lucerne's lakefront
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Mount Pilatus
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    View of Weggis
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Lucerne's historic centre
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Klewenalp Trail

Resorts in Lake Lucerne

  • Offers available
    Weggis town and lake Lucerne

    Weggis

    Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

    Mount Rigi hiking trails Boat trips along Lake Lucerne Panoramic views & peaceful strolls
    Easy Walks Village Charm
    Save £180 pp
    Properties available: 2 From £709 pp View accommodation More info
  • Offers available
    Lucerne Panorama (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Ricardo Perret)

    Lucerne

    Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

    Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Pilatus Wander Lucerne’s frescoed old town Take a boat trip across Lake Lucerne
    Food & Drink Easy Walks
    Save £230 pp
    Properties available: 3 From £829 pp View accommodation More info

Recommended accommodation in Lake Lucerne

  • 3.5
    Offers available
    Hotel Waldstatterhof Lucerne Restaurant (1)

    Hotel Waldstätterhof

    Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

    Central location Historic charm and style Excellent breakfast buffet
    Solo Holidays Central Location
    • Half Board
    • Manchester Int.
    • London Gatwick
    • London Heathrow
    • London Luton
    • Edinburgh
    • London St Pancras
    • Bristol
    • Birmingham Int.
    • London City
    • +4 More
    From £829 pp View details
  • 4
    Offers available
    Hotel Alexander Weggis Exterior

    Hotel Alexander

    Weggis, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

    Panoramic lake views Heated indoor/outdoor pools Charming chalet style
    Couples Holidays Family-Run
    • Half Board
    • Manchester Int.
    • London Gatwick
    • London Heathrow
    • London Luton
    • Edinburgh
    • London St Pancras
    • Bristol
    • Birmingham Int.
    • London City
    • +4 More
    From £864 pp View details
  • 4.5
    Offers available
    Hotel Montana Lucerne Exterior

    Montana Art Deco Hotel

    Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

    Panoramic lake views Elevated hillside position Gourmet dining options
    Solo Holidays Couples Holidays
    • Half Board
    • Manchester Int.
    • London Gatwick
    • London Heathrow
    • London Luton
    • Edinburgh
    • London St Pancras
    • Bristol
    • Birmingham Int.
    • London City
    • +4 More
    From £1,409 pp View details

Popular Insider Guides

Insider guides

Things to do in Lake Lucerne

Lucerne Old Town (Copyright: Luzern Tourismus Tanja Müller)

Stroll down the cobbled streets in Lucerne's Old Town as you travel back in time along the beautiful facades. Book a guided city tour or visit the famous Lion monument, a popular landmark in one of the central parks. Pop into the churches to admire stunning interiors, or purchase a museum pass to immerse yourself in the local history and culture.

Along the River Reuss that joins Lake Lucerne, located between City Hall and Chapel Bridge stands the stunning waterfront row of local restaurants and cafés, perfect for daytime treats or evening cuisine - here foodies will be spoilt for choice with lots of restaurants and outdoor seating – ideal for sipping cocktails in the sun. This postcard-perfect strip has beautifully decorated buildings and flower covered balconies.

Lucerne is home to many markets and charming boutiques. The colourful Wochenmarkt is held once or twice a week and is full of fresh fruit, vegetables and local cheeses. Other fresh food and drink markets include the Markthalle Luzern and the fish market. And, once a month there is also a craft market and the Monatsmarkt, perfect for collecting memorable souvenirs.

Book locally - guided 'Classic Walking Tour' of Lucerne

Two hour tour of the old town, including Chapel Bridge.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Luzern Tourismus Tanja Müller)

Lucerne Canoeing On Lake Lucerne

Glide over the mirrored waters on a kayak, make your way to a nearby village on a stand-up paddle board, sail across the waterway or challenge yourself to some intense wakeboarding. Lake Lucerne is fantastic for its water sport activities, so why not gear up and try something new.

In Weggis and Lucerne, there are several options to hire a variety of water sports equipment locally.

Lake swimming is said to have natural healing properties as well as combining summer fun. Whether you're looking to dip your toes in to cool off, or go for a full lake swim, Weggis and its surrounding villages have you covered. Sunbath on the sandy beach at Vitznau's Brougier Park for ultimate relaxation with stunning Swiss mountain views.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Ivo Scholz)

Lucerne Boat On Lake Lucerne (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Beat Mueller)

Hop on one of the steamboats or motorboats and discover the region in no time. With first-class service and onboard dining, the options to choose from and experiences up for grabs are endless. Choose a specific route or simply hop-on and hop-off to explore the surrounding villages and mountain peaks.

We love the Golden Round Trip from Lucerne, combining a lake cruise with mountain transport to explore Mt. Pilatus. You can even get a discounted fee on the cruises with your included Swiss Half Fare Card.

Book locally - 1st class day ticket on Lake Lucerne

Spend the day cruising the lake, getting on and off as you please, with unlimited travel on the lovely boats.

Prices include a Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Beat Mueller)

Rigi Kulm Lake Lucerne

Soar above Lake Lucerne on panorama gondolas and aerial cableways to reach spectacular viewpoints and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The cable car from Weggis will get you up to the great views from Rigi-Kaltbad in no time, and there's lovely walks to enjoy from the top.

Take a trip to Vitznau where you can get the cogwheel train in just under one hour to Rigi Kulm. Sit back and relax as you take in the beautiful scenery and experience Europe's first mountain railway for yourself. 

For children, the play areas on Mount Rigi are fantastic. Take a trip to Rigiland Adventure, Rigi Burggeist, Rigi Scheidegg playground, or visit them all. What more could a child want than a day of playground hopping.

Pre-book your Mt. Rigi ticket

Mount Rigi is known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains’. Take the cogwheel railway from Vitznau, and return by cable-car to Weggis (or vice versa). Ticket includes ascent and descent. Travel to and from starting point is not included.

Prices include a Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: RIGI BAHNEN AG Elmar Bosshard)

Lucerne Pilatus

Local people once believed that dragons lived in the caves and crannies of Mount Pilatus. And if you look closely, the set of peaks does look like a dragon spine reclining on the edge of Lucerne. The dragon theme continues on the mountaintop with scavenger hunts, storied trails and kid-friendly zip lines. There are also footpaths like the Flower Trail, and forest tracks and alpine moors, as well as climbs for experienced mountaineers. You can get to Pilatus by gondola and cable car starting in Kriens – or from the village of Alpnach for a ride on the steepest rack railway in the world - you can do it all with the Golden Round Trip which includes a boat trip between Alpnach and Lucerne.

There's also plenty for children on Mount Pilatus - the the PILU Rope Park is the place to go. Children aged four to eight can join the mountain mascot on a treetop adventure. For older children and teens, the higher ropes course has a range of courses, from easy to more demanding – great for adventure lovers.

Let off some steam in the dragon-themed playground at PILU-land. Kids can balance their way across beams, whizz down the tube slide or climb across the wooden frames. Step inside the dragon's lair as you immerse yourself in an interactive and cinematic experience. Dragon World is perfect for days when the weather isn't so good, allowing the whole family to take part in skill-based games with amazing motion effects. Watch out though, the floor may turn into lava.

Pre-book your Mt. Pilatus ticket

The Pilatus Golden Round Trip is a spectacular journey up to the summit of Lucerne’s impressive mountain for wonderful views over the lake. Ticket includes ascent and descent. Travel to and from starting point is not included.

Prices include a Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.